What a View: Best Spots for Outdoor Dining

Who needs an air-conditioned interior when you can enjoy fabulous food and drinks outside? These rooftop dining and lounge areas are the perfect places to get some fresh air while sipping on cocktails or dining on a full meal. From New York to San Diego and everywhere in between, we're celebrating the best outdoor dining spots.

New York City: The Empire Hotel Rooftop

Whether or not you're around for events like "Fridays on the Deck" or "Empire Saturdays," there are still plenty of reasons to check out the 12th floor of The Empire Hotel in Manhattan any night of the week. Spots in Brooklyn and New Jersey may offer some of best views of the Manhattan skyline, but sometimes it's nice to be in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. Throw in some signature cocktails, wine, and champagne, plus small plates like Margherita Pizza and Crispy Calamari, and even some live entertainment and you've got yourself a stellar night out. The 8,000-square-foot bar and lounge offers ample space in which to mingle and dance, or you can just relax and unwind right next to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which afford a glimpse at the bright lights of the big city. The Deck, another outdoor space, boasts private cabanas you can enjoy with your sweetie while taking in the sounds of Manhattan's notorious traffic symphony.